Original Work

1812 has created over fifteen original pieces, many of which are available for touring, presenting or licensing. For information on touring, presenting or licensing, please contact Jennifer Childs at jen@1812productions.org.

Photo by Mark Garvin

I Will Not Go Gently

Written & Performed by Jennifer Childs, Directed by Harriet Power, with Original Music & Sound Design by Christopher Colucci

A faded rock icon returns to the spotlight. A suburban mom tries to reclaim her glory days. A '70s TV superhero tries flying without a cape. Jennifer Childs brings us a cast of characters who are straddling the divide between the past and the future-- deadly sincere, impossibly hopeful, and ready to rock. I Will Not Go Gently has been produced at Act II Playhouse, and has productions slated at People's Light in Malvern, PA, and Theatre B in Fargo, ND this season.

"Pardon me if tour de force seems too lame a phrase for Jennifer Childs and the new show she's written, "I Will Not Go Gently." – NewsWorks

Photo by Mark Garvin

This is the week that is

1812's annual political humor show combines sketches and musical numbers with news that is rewritten nightly to keep up with current events. The result is a smart evening of satire best described as The Carol Burnett Show meets The Daily Show. We have produced a new version of This Is The Week That Is every year since 2006 and it is our most popular offering each season.

The full stage version of each year's new This Is The Week That Is is available for touring after its initial run at 1812. We also offer abbreviated versions of the show for private events.

Photo by Mark Garvin

our show of shows

An exuberant homage to Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris and the unique brand of comedy they perfected on the 50s television program, Your Show of Shows. Our Show of Shows combines vintage and original material to honor one of the greatest comedy institutions of all time.

why i'm scared of dance by jen childs

Written and performed by Jennifer Childs, Directed by Harriet Power

A one-on-one lesson in jazz, hip-hop and ballet and why working at the barre is not quite as much fun as working at the bar. A moving and self-effacing comedy, Why I’m Scared of Dance by Jen Childs is about turning the choreography life gives you into the dance that only you were meant to do.

City Theater Pittsburgh February 2-12, 20121812 Productions October 7-31, 2010Contemporary American Theatre Company (showing) October 13, 2009Philadelphia Theater Company (showing) August 3, 2009

“Childs’ humor is disarming, genuine, down-to-earth. She lures audiences in with such sincerity that it’s impossible not to come along for the comic ride she’s taking – all the way to its roiling, rollicking conclusion.” – American Theatre Magazine

Photo by Mark Garvin

cherry bomb

A musical burlesque extravaganza that tells the true story of the Cherry Sisters, the worst act ever to grace the vaudeville stage. From the corn fields of Iowa to the bright lights of New York, the Cherry Sisters sang off-key to packed houses, dodged tomatoes during curtain calls and were the worst good time to be had in early twentieth century America.

"The show's enormous triumph is that it's wildly funny, surprisingly moving and never mean-spirited." – Variety